Reviews for
Pansy Finster lives in Brimstone Horror where the weather normally included grey clouds blocking the sun and thunder rolling in the distance. Normally Pansy would not be concerned by the notice she recived in the mail, but she had been trained to never ignore such messages. ENJOY YOUR INHERITANCE WHILE YOU CAN was an ominous warning of an upcoming Haunting and she needed to run as far away as she could. Since she and her deceased fiancé had planned a move to Romance prior to his death, Pansy reluctantly decided to move forward with that plan. Surely there could be no Hauntings in Romance. Could there? Pansy is taking no chances. Even at the open criticism of new friends, she is never found without her survival pack and written words of brotherly wisdom.
Don’t Date the Haunted: A Dark Romantic Comedy by C. Rae D’Arc is certain to have the reader laughing out loud while cheering on the out of sorts the main character. As Pansy tries to adapt to the much calmer lifestyle at Heartford University in the Romance Region, she is on constant alert even when her new friends work hard to convince her of the innocence of their world. While author C. Rae D’Arc is successful in weaving a highly intoxicating story of romantic dysfunction, she keeps her reader mesmerized with tricky metaphors and unexpected plot twists. Advertised as Haunted Romance Book One, this reader can only imagine the additional characters and suspenseful action yet to come. Colorful participants flood the pages of this fast-paced romance. Don’t Date the Haunted is a page-turner!
If “Pride and Prejudice” had a baby with “Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark,” you’d get this novel. It’s got humor, romance, and just the right amount of spookiness (if you aren’t a fan of the horror genre, don’t worry. There’s no gore or anything like that). Pansy Finster (Think April Ludgate from Parks and Rec) is one of the best heroines I’ve met. She’s smart, wickedly funny, and doesn’t put up with any BS–or zombies. The only thing that could throw her off her game is love. Overall, just a really fun, fresh read that managed to take my mind off 2020 for a hot minute (a legit gift). Highly recommend.
I loved the transition from one genre, or place, to another, within the world of Novel (and honestly, isn’t that the cutest idea?) I enjoyed the dynamic between roommates (very realistic), and how Pansy stayed true to character while also learning and growing.
I really enjoyed how this was truly a dark romantic comedy. I was laughing, I was swooning, and I was gasping and covering my mouth in suspense. Well written, and great book for young adults and up.
Gee Liz Reads
Don’t Date the Haunted exceeded my expectations in every way. I was excited to read it based on the blurb so I happily accepted the invitation to review it; I just didn’t think it was going to be THIS good.
The concept is original and just mind blowing really. Even just 10% in to this book I was telling everybody about it. . .
I was invested. Like, who comes up with something like that? A bloody good author that’s who. The character’s didn’t disappoint either! . . . I just love that each of them as such a solid personality that you know and remember where they are from.
The story is gripping and ensures you continue to turn the page.
I would highly recommend this book and the bonus is, it’s actually a completed trilogy. I haven’t read the 2nd or 3rd book yet but they have been added to my TBR pile and moved high up the list. I need to know what happens next and if these books are anything like this one, the trilogy could be sitting on my ‘Best Books I’ve Ever Read’ shelf.
NaDell
(Bookstore Manager)
Dark Romantic Comedy Mix Well
I wasn’t sure what to expect with the category of “Dark Romantic Comedy”, but I was pleasantly surprised by how well the humor, the romance, mysterious, and scary moments fit together. The creative divisions of groups of people were something I had never thought of. The book is set in the world of Novel, with people in all kinds of lands: fantasy, horror, contemporary, romance, science-fiction, regency, mystery, etc. As you can expect knowing that, when people come together from different genres, they anticipate situations differently. Pansy grew up in Horror and is able to escape to Contemporary to attend college. She has roommates from several different places and has to learn that all screaming is not because of danger. As Pansy (yes, she was teased for her name growing up in Horror) learns more about Contemporary she discovers something or someone may have followed her from Horror and she might be the only one able to save herself and her new friends.
Jim Doran
(Author of “Kingdom Come” and
the “Kingdom Fantasy” series)
Excellent world-building
Don’t Date the Haunted by C. Rae D’Arc is a dark comedy big on both the laughs and thrills. The author uses the fish out of water theme on her main character, Pansy Finster. Pansy is a resident in a Horror-world but ends up in a Romance-land. The comedy builds out of the setup, but the characterization contributes much to the humor. Enjoyable characters in a unique setting drives the novel forward to its conclusion.
I was impressed with the world-building in this novel. The world-building is such a unique concept that when I read the blurb for this book, I knew I had to buy it.
Often light-hearted but also with surprising depth, Don’t Date the Haunted lives up to its promise of a dark comedy. The humor is earned, the darkness is delicious, and the payoff is legitimate. Clearly, no one should date the haunted, but everyone ought to read about those who do.
Mackenzie Friel
(Author of “The Saviors of Trem,” and
“The Maiden of Caldara”)
So… I read this in one day. At first I wasn’t sure if it was my kind of book but after getting a few pages in I was captivated by the world. I loved the concept and I’m excited to see it continue. Definitely check this out, 5/5
Charlotte
(High School English Teacher)
Regency Romance….Proper Romance…..now Dark Romance….(D’Arc)
These are not the books I usually read but lately I’ve been reading a few. Don’t Date the Haunted was definitely a winner and a fun read because it was a new genre for me!
The story takes place in the world of Novel and moves from Horror to several diferent genres – Romance , Mystery, Contemporary, Regency, etc. One of my favorite lines: “I definitely didn’t want to return to …Horror in a Regency dress..”
All the elements of horror, humor and romance blend to create a lively plot.
I can’t wait to see where the main character, Pansy, ends up next!
Anthony J.
Fun and exciting
This book is fun and exciting! The characters are wonderfully flawed, lovable, and relatable. The story plays on every emotion, from joyful laughter, to gut wrenching heartache, and everything in between.
Tenille R
Couldn’t put it down!
This book was recommended to me by a friend. It was a fun, fast paced read. Absolutely perfect for halloween. Great romance. I couldn’t put it down.
Mike
Great year round book!
Thoroughly enjoyed this book! It was a great read coming into Halloween season but had a good enough balance of romance and humor that I will definitely enjoy reading it again any time during the year.
Kristen
Delightful book
The book was delightful and I loved the character development! It was an easy read and easy to get pulled into. A good balance between romance and horror!
Julie
Amazing!
I read this book in October and it was the perfect book for the month. I loved the mix of funny, romantic, and scary moments. I can’t wait to read more Haunted Romance books!
Robyn
Loved this!! Quirky romance with a good twist on dating the paranormal. Quick read, full of adventure and comedy and awkward moments and suspense.
Jenny
Calling all literacy buffs. If you’re like me and want a bit of everything in a book Don’t date the haunted has got you covered. From Paranormal spooks to mystery and Intrigue all wrapped up with a healthy dose of romance and character growth. This fast paced and witty book was just the fix I needed for the Halloween season.
Katie
It’s not often that the exposition of a book gets me hooked but this one did! A very unique setting. It was a fun quick read for Halloween time.
Lina Merma
How much wood would a wizard whack if a wizard would whack wood?
Wow. I am again blown away by C. Rae D’Arc’s world building and storytelling skills. It was so fun with all the fantasy connections and new fantasy additions mixed in together. Theo and Pansy make great Adventure buddies.
Rating: 10/10💕 I can’t wait for the next one!
NaDell
(Bookstore Manager)
Nothing is as expected
The second in the Haunted Romance series, “Don’t Marry the Cursed” continues the story of Pansy (originally from Horror-a land with attacks around every corner) and Theo the Trusted a Royal in Fairy in their voyage to the land of Fairy to meet Theo’s family. Once they get there, nothing is as expected. They battle challenge after challenge and prove their commitment to each other along the way.
This book is categorized as a Dark Romantic Comedy and it delivers. It’s totally unexpected at times, but it does a great job with the serious dark moments, romance, and funny bits! It almost makes me want to hang out with Pansy and Theo along with the characters who join them along the way, but I don’t think I’m strong enough for that.
Colleen
Great continuation of a wonderful Adventure!
I enjoyed Don’t Date the Haunted and I was REALLY looking forward to Don’t Marry the Cursed. I was NOT disappointed! The sequel explores more of Novel and introduces complex and interesting characters. I also enjoyed the references to lesser known fairy tales. I loved the power of the connection between Pansy and Theo. I’m looking forward with excitement and anticipation to the next book!
Jenny
Back For More
Back for more. ❤️ C Rae did it again with her second installment. Don’t Marry the Cursed. Book 2 is chillingly romantic. Brimming with wit, and fairytale settings. It’s planted itself firmly as the literary series I never knew I needed.
Pam
Surprises
When you find surprises in both the plot and the details of a book it is always entertaining. The story of Pansy and Theo continues in Don’t Marry the Cursed and builds upon the characters we met in Don’t date the Haunted. Its totally Imaginative and fun.
Ryan
Theo is the bomb!!!
Loved learning more about Theo and his origins, loved seeing these two in action once again! Adventure, love, magic- it’s all there to enjoy!!
C. Rae D'Arc 